Legal Billing Teams Must Read Corporate Outside Counsel Billing Guidelines
Understanding and adhering to billing guidelines is crucial for any legal practice aiming to maintain efficiency and client satisfaction. It's essential that not only the lead attorney but also every member involved in the billing process, including timekeepers, support staff, and billing teams, familiarize themselves with these guidelines and any additional instructions before finalizing time entries and creating the first invoice. Billing guidelines serve as a blueprint detailing how, what, and when invoices should be sent or submitted to a client, ensuring transparency and alignment with client expectations. The role of the biller or ebiller is particularly significant as they are often the final checkpoint before an invoice is dispatched. This stage is an opportune moment to meticulously review the invoice for any formatting requirements and confirm if supporting documentation is necessary, showcasing our commitment to precision and client service.
In the evolving landscape of legal billing, an increasing number of clients are mandating the submission of Legal Electronic Data Exchange Standard (LEDES) through a third-party eBill system, moving away from traditional email invoices. This shift emphasizes the importance of understanding and complying with a client's specified system and LEDES format, as outlined in their billing guidelines. eBill systems not only streamline the billing process but also enable corporate clients to conduct thorough audits ensuring the accuracy of submitted invoices. Errors in the LEDES or missing support documentation can lead to the rejection of invoices, which underscores the need for meticulous adherence to billing guidelines to avoid delays or non-payment for services rendered.
Moreover, it's paramount to recognize the distinctions between billable and non-billable legal fees and costs as dictated by corporate clients. The landscape of legal billing is increasingly stringent, with clear limitations on billable hours, specified personnel for case work, and explicit conditions for when and where tasks are performed. Preapproval for certain tasks has become a norm, often necessitating written confirmation from clients. This rigor in billing practices necessitates a diligent review of billing guidelines by the billing department to ensure compliance, thereby minimizing billing disputes and fostering a transparent and trust-based client relationship.
At Smart eBill Team (SET), we are dedicated to empowering legal professionals with the knowledge and tools to excel in electronic billing practices. Our comprehensive suite of services includes training materials, remote electronic billing services, and personalized consultations to enhance your firm's billing efficiency and client satisfaction. Should you have any questions or wish to engage our services, we are always here to assist. Together, let's navigate the complexities of eBilling with confidence and professionalism. Happy eBilling!
